The Conglomerate will have at least one more run before the Sansui Summer Cup after the Vodacom Durban July winner finished last on his reappearance in the Joburg Spring Challenge at Turffontein on Saturday.

Joey Ramsden said: “While I didn’t exactly walk away ecstatic I certainly wasn’t suicidal. He has always been a slow starter to the season, he got bumped leaving the pens and he was only beaten seven lengths.”

Stable companion St Tropez fared rather better, finishing fifth, and his trainer added: “The biggest thing is getting the horses over all the vaccines they have to have – it’s the hardest part of my job.”

The Conglomerate (Nkosi Hlophe)

Brett Crawford reports that Rabada, ruled out by an over-reach, now goes straight for the Emperors Palace Charity Mile on November 5.

Greg Ennion believes that there is a lot more to come from Roman Discent following the 7-1 chance’s win under second top weight in the Racing Association Handicap at Durbanville on Sunday.

The Milnerton trainer said: “Roman Discent was very unlucky when fifth in the Settlers Trophy on his previous start. The horse that went to the front dropped almost to a walk and stopped in front of him.

“He had a few niggles earlier in his career but he is sound again now. He is still immature and I honestly think that he has a future.”

The four-year-old only had a neck to spare over the strong-finishing Cuduiari at the line but he was value for quite a bit more as he slowed far more than Andrew Fortune expected when he dropped his hands before the line. Fortune was interviewed by the stipes and “strongly advised to ride his mount out to the end of a race in future engagements.”

The National Racing Bureau rang round the Cape Town trainers yesterday morning after only four were declared for Saturday’s Graduation Plate and it was rewarded with Ramsden adding Dancer  and Aviemore.  The highest-rated at 93 is Lord Balmoral trained by Vaughan Marshall. The fillies 1 200m maiden attracted 19 declarations and has been divided.

Michael Clower